Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Face" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "face", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
向く
むく (muku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
面目
めんぼく (memboku) / めんもく (memmoku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "face" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 向く and 面目.
In Japanese, 向く (むく (muku)) is typically associated with "to face; to turn toward; to be suited to" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to physically facing a direction, or abstractly being suited/fit for a job or role. Often used as 前を向く or 仕事に向く. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To face! "I only have eyes for you, so my heart is always facing your way, Haruka-san!" ...っ! Heart always facing my way! B-Baka! Don't make such romantic orientation claims! But... since you are facing me, make sure you never turn your head to look at anyone else! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『むく（向く）よ！『ハルカ部長、僕の適性は開発リーダーだけではありません！あなたを一生幸せにする専属の旦那様としての仕事が、世界で一番向いています！』って…っ！旦那様に向いている！バカ！/// 何その自信満々な適性検査は！…でも、そのヤル気があるなら、一生私だけに向き合って全力で尽くしなさい！』.
On the other hand, 面目 (めんぼく (memboku) / めんもく (memmoku)) maps to "face; honor; reputation; prestige; dignity in public" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to face, honor, reputation, or dignity in public. Often used as 面目を施す. A literal translation of "face" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "向く"
彼は挫折しかけたチームメンバーの手を強く握り、「下ばかり向いていないで、明日を_______歩みを進めよう」と励ましました。
He held the hand of a team member who was about to collapse tightly and encouraged, 'Don't just keep looking down, let's face tomorrow and step forward.'
Bilingual Context for "面目"
取引先の重要なコンペで競合に敗れてしまい、営業部長としての_______を完全に失ってしまいました。
Losing to the competitor in the client's important competition, he completely lost his face as the sales manager.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は挫折しかけたチームメンバーの手を強く握り、「下ばかり向いていないで、明日を_______歩みを進めよう」と励ましました。" (Meaning: "He held the hand of a team member who was about to collapse tightly and encouraged, 'Don't just keep looking down, let's face tomorrow and step forward.'")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "向く" fits here because it means "to face; to turn toward; to be suited to" in the context of: "He held the hand of a team member who was about to collapse tightly and encouraged, 'Don't just keep looking down, let's face tomorrow and step forward.'". "面目" represents "face; honor; reputation; prestige; dignity in public".